Marvel the Wonders of Reflexology
Marvel the Wonders of Reflexology
It is a gentle art, a fascinating science, and an extremely effective form of therapy that has carved an impressive niche in the field of alternative medicine. Many studies have been done in relation to the effectiveness of this wonder method called Reflexology. Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, it can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.
Reflexology is an art because much depends on how skillfully the practitioner applies his or her knowledge, and the dynamics that occur between the practitioner and the recipient. And because it is based on physiological and neurological study, it is also considered a science. Reflexology is a holistic healing technique. The term "holistic" is derived from the Greek word "holos", which means "whole." The goal of reflexology is to treat the individual as a complete entity, incorporating and healing the body, mind and spirit.
Research has found that reflexology is not only beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief. It has been established that it is also an effective device for improving circulation, relieving pain, and speeding up the body's process of detoxification. Reflexology is also good for people who are recovering from surgery due to its positive stimulating effect on the immune and nervous systems. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies, acid reflux, migraines, pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, insomnia, fertility problems, and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.
Because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. It has been shown to relieve many common pregnancy complaints including headache, nausea, backache, sleepiness, fatigue, constipation, swollen ankles, and digestive problems. However, a lot of practitioners have been giving this holistic approach for most cases to patients to treat anxiety.
From side effects of chemotherapy to pain and depression, symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment can impinge on quality of life almost as much as the disease itself. No equipment needed nor invasion of privacy are some of the ease of reflexology which can be applied in a medical environment which makes it convenient alternative treatment.
In 2006, a team of medical school researchers at University of Udine, Italy, reported positive results for the use of reflexology foot massage to treat anxiety in patients admitted to an oncology unit for a second or third round of chemotherapy. And, in yet another recent study, to treat anxiety for breast and lung cancer patients, the reports said that the patients experienced relief after reflexology. The breast cancer patients also experienced a decrease in pain. Furthermore,the study also claimed that women that had at least 10 reflexology sessions showed reduced labor times and complications than women who did not have the treatments.
Studies have also shown that patients that received reflexology treatment after surgery experienced far less pain than the patients that took painkillers alone. Moreover, reflexology was shown to be more effective than catheterization in patients with retention of urine after surgery.
Reflexology is safe, non-invasive, and effective therapy for everyone that can and should be used throughout a person's lifetime. In a society that relies heavily on chemically laden prescription drugs for remedy, reflexology is definitely showing a lot of promise as an effective alternative treatment.
Volume Eight
Did You Know??
Here Is A Handy Chart To Find The Reflex Points On Your Feet!
Have you been doing Reflexology on yourself? Sometimes it's challenging to find the exact reflex point if you aren't professionally trained in the craft. I'd thought I'd make it easier for you with this interactive foot chart. It's great as you can just place your mouse over each area of the foot and it will show you where the corresponding reflex point is.
Always remember that Reflexology is a wonderful tool to use for our health. If you are being treated professionally, that's even better as the practitioner will ensure that each specific point is addressed. Reflexology is one of many natural health options with great benefits!
This issue of Reflexology Corner has been written by:Marybeth Haines,
Certified Reflexologist since 1998
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease *
Volume Seven
Did You Know??
There Are Detoxification Foot Patches ~ Have You Heard?
There are superior products that can assist in healing the body while stimulating the corresponding reflex point on the hands and feet. These are known as "Detoxifying Foot Patches".
Once you learn where the specific reflex point is on the foot that you want to work on, you can ensure that the pouch is placed over that area. You can also place a foot pouch over the specific body part as well. The pouches may also be applied to shoulders, knees, or joints where one is feeling discomfort. The pouches may also be used in the daytime for more efficient relief as well.
*Always ensure not to apply to any open wound.*
First time users should apply the pouches to the soles of the feet before going to bed. It is recommended to wear socks and keep the patch on for at least 7 hours for maximum benefit.
When you wake in the morning, the once white pouch will now be black as your feet will have released as you slept. In addition, the pouches also assist in a more restful sleep as you are targeting areas of the feet that are eliminating toxins.
The best detoxifying foot pouches to get are ones that are all natural, eco-friendly and very easy to use. Instructions will always be included and should be followed for best results.
This issue of Reflexology Corner has been written by:Marybeth Haines,
Certified Reflexologist since 1998
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease *
Volume Six
Did You Know??
Reflexology Can Assist With Foot Pain
Last month, we learned about our feet being the foundation for our body. Many people report foot pain from standing, sitting or doing various activities throughout the day. There are several ways that you can assist your feet to help them feel better in addition to Reflexology treatments.
Chinese Balls: these are wonderful to use for your hands and feet. For your hands, gently move them around in a massaging motion. For your feet, you can place the ball on the floor and gently move your feet across them back and forth. Feels like a wonderful massage on tired muscles. These balls are very inexpensive and handy.
Rolling Foot Massager: another great way to massage the muscles in the feet. Using like the Chinese balls, you can gently roll your feet over this massager back and forth for relief and comfort.
Using a towel: this is a good exercise to stretch as well as strengthen the muscles in your feet. Place a small towel flat on the ground. Place your foot over the towel and gently begin scrunching up the towel with your toes. Continue this motion until you have scrunched the towel underneath your toes. Can repeat several times based on severity of foot pain.
Marbles: another great way to assist with foot pain. Pick up a large marble with your toes and place it in a cup. Continue with each marble.
In Conclusion:
As with any health modality, it is recommended that you consult with a trained health care practitioner. He/She can give you suggested treatment protocol for your individual situation.
This issue of Reflexology Corner has been written by:Marybeth Haines,
Certified Reflexologist since 1998
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease *
Volume Five
Did You Know??
Your feet are the foundation of your body
- 25% of the bones in your body are in your feet.
- Each day, the average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps.
- In one?s lifetime, one averages a walking of 100,000 miles in their lifetime.
- This is equivalent to more than 4 trips around the world!
Just like a foundation is laid before a house is built, we can use this analogy with our feet. This foundation is the main part of the structure that holds the house in place and the whole house is based on this initial structure.
The same is true with our feet. Our feet are the foundation of our bodies. Our feet support the weight of everything above them. When there is a problem in the foot, this can change and put stress on joints, posture etc in our bodies.
There are several ways to address this situation and each situation is individual. It is recommended that one see a professional regarding what is best for them. A professional can then assist with what is best for one?s circumstances. Some modalities include orthotics, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathic treatment and others.
Reflexology is a great tool that can be used to complement treatment. It promotes relaxation, detoxification, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and enhances healing. It helps to normalize the body and feels wonderful too!
This issue of Reflexology Corner has been written by:
Marybeth Haines, Certified Reflexologist since 1998* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease *
Volume 4Did You Know??
Reflexology can be done on the Head too!
Here is some interesting information for you. There are approximately 7200 nerves ending on each of your feet, approximately 2500 on each of your hands?and who knows how many are on your ears and head! Makes you think doesn?t it? Wow! That?s a lot of nerves working each and every day.
The principle with Reflexology is working from the inside - out. What a wonderful healing modality!
Reflexology can be done on the head as well as the hands, ears and feet. By working the reflexes in the head, you will find that it assists in calming and relaxing from your stressors and tensions. With slowing down or even shutting down the brain impulses, with head reflexology, your body is more accepting of resting and repairing. In other words, Healing. It also assists with digestion. Reflexology puts the body into a parasympathetic state which brings the body back in to homeostasis.
A Head Reflexology session usually lasts about 20 minutes. It is often part of a package with the ears and can include hands and feet as well.
What are some benefits of Head Reflexology?
Head Reflexology can:
Relieve headaches, dizziness, stiff neck, eyestrain
Relieve pain in the eyes, ears, nose, throat
Relieve sinus pressure and pain
Improve memory and concentration
Relieve arthritic pain
Relieve nervousness, chest congestions, insomnia
Relieve TMJ and jaw pain, allergies with red and watery eyes, eye strain
Relieve head congestion and sore throats
Increase circulation
And much more??
Here are 2 pictures below. One of the front of the head and one of the back of the head. There are more points and techniques with Head Reflexology however I thought these 2 pictures would give a great indication as to how our whole body is mirrored onto our heads.
Isn?t that absolutely amazing how our bodies are made?
This issue of Reflexology Corner has been written by:Marybeth Haines,
Certified Reflexologist since 1998
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease *
Volume Three
Did You Know?...
Reflexology can be done on the Hands!
Have you ever had a hand massage after a long day. Do you remember how good it felt? How relaxed you felt? How you felt the ?goose bumps? as you let go of the day?s stresses and closed your eyes and just ?let it go??
If not, I highly recommend Hand Reflexology. It is such a wonderful feeling and healing modality and is yet another form of Reflexology. Hand Reflexology follows the same theory as Foot Reflexology. When you look at the picture above of the reflex points of your hand, you will see a mirror image of the body. As these areas are stimulated; relaxation, detoxification, circulation, soothing, decreasing of pain and overall healing is allowed. It feels like a wonderful hand massage. And it?s absolutely fantastic!
We use our hands every day for so many things. I am using them right now as I am typing, I used them to put the dishes in the dishwasher, as I got ready and showered this morning etc. etc. Our hands get used so much more than we realize and they deserve some special treatment!
It is always best to have a trained Certified Reflexologist perform Hand Reflexology for you. Often there are package treatments available that include both the Hands and the Feet during a session. When looking for a Certified Reflexologist in your area, you can research and find one that has been trained in the Hands as well. You will be glad you did. It?s a wonderful treatment.
Below you will see a link to an Interactive Hand chart. After you click on the link and as you move your mouse over the hands, you will see each reflex point. It?s amazing and very interesting how our bodies have been made and the healing modalities that are available to us.
INTERACTIVE HAND CHART
This issue of Reflexology Corner has been written by:Marybeth Haines,
Certified Reflexologist since 1998
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease *
Volume Two
Did You Know?...
Ear Reflexology Can Assist With Calmness And Decreasing Anxiety?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your ears are a complete system in which contain Reflexology points and when stimulated by gentle finger pressure will influence the corresponding body parts. So, if you have a back problem, you would stimulate the back Reflexology area on each ear; for eye problems, the eye Reflexology areas and so on.
The reflex points on the ear follow the form of as if a picture of an inverted fetus was on them. Therefore there is a reflex point for every area of our body on our ears. It is quite remarkable how many points there are on the ears.
With Ear Reflexology, the area of anxiety involves stimulating the Reflexology areas of the heart, and possibly others too, because in Traditional Chinese Medicine, anxiety and nervousness are usually related to the heart.
For anxiety, just rubbing your ears and gently grasping, pulling and rubbing with your thumbs and index fingers feels really good. If you continue to do this all around the outside and inside your ear on the reflex points in the below chart, you will be stimulating various areas of your body. This is simple to do and very relaxing.
There are several websites that have great articles on Reflexology for Anxiety and Stress. Just type those specific words into a search engine and you will find some wonderful information with other professionals sharing their knowledge.
Rubbing your ears is very therapeutic. This can be done daily or anytime you feel anxiety or stress. It is best to sit up straight in an area where you feel is quiet and comfortable. Use your thumbs and index fingers around the outside of your ears and use the tips of your index fingers to rub the inside surface. Start at the ear opening and work your way to the outside edge. Remember to rub all the curves and folds of each ear, including behind your ears.
This can be done for 1-2 minutes per ear as many as up to 3 times per day.
Note: While ear reflexology is a safe self-therapy, it is always recommended to check with your certified health professional before trying them for the first time.
This issue of Reflexology Corner has been written by:Marybeth Haines,
Certified Reflexologist since 1998
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease *
Volume One
Did You Know?...
What is Reflexology?
The History of Reflexology
The origins of Reflexology evidently reach back to ancient Egypt as evidenced by inscriptions found in a physician?s tomb at Saqqara in Egypt. This form of healing spread from Egypt via the Roman Empire.
Throughout the next several hundred years, Reflexology was then called "Zonal Therapy" and was first developed in the United States in the early 20th century, by Dr.William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor. He based the Zonal Therapy on the theory that the body is divided into ten zones running from head to toe -- with five zones on each side of the body. Dr. Fitzgerald discovered the fact that the application of pressure on the zones not only relieved pain but in the majority of cases also relieved the underlying cause as well. The same result is experienced through Reflexology today, which is based partially on the Zone Theory.
Eunice D. Ingham, understood and believed the concept of Zone Therapy and started developing her foot reflex theory in the early 1930's. She experienced treating hundreds of patients where each reflex point was carefully and thoughtfully checked and rechecked until with all confidence she was able to determine that the ?reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs of the body?. And that was how Reflexology became what it is today.
Reflexology is a popular holistic therapy that is performed by a Certified Reflexologist. The most popular area of the body that Reflexology is usually applied is to the feet. It feels like a wonderful foot massage, and every area that gentle pressure is applied, corresponds to every part, organ and system of the body. Reflexology promotes relaxation, detoxification, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and enhances healing.
This issue of Reflexology Corner has been written by:Marybeth Haines,
Certified Reflexologist since 1998
Learn more about Marybeth Haines:
http://www.hainesdirect.com/
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease *
